Rugby is one of the fastest growing youth sports in America today.
Rugby Union is a fast-paced continuous game that has similarities to both football and soccer. Like Football, teams score by grounding the ball in the endzone or kicking the ball over the posts. Like soccer, the ball is continuously live, and does not stop for tackles. Passing with the hands can only be done backwards or sideways, never forward.
Rugby USA has a good primer here: Rugby 101 - How the Sport Works | USA Rugby
Rugby PA offers two forms of rugby, traditional 15-a side rugby and rugby sevens. Rugby Sevens is a faster version of the game played in the Olympics, with only seven players a side, and seven minutes a half.
"You can join a team at any age. Although it's great to have grown up playing rugby, no prior experience of rugby is needed and players at any age quickly get to grips with the rules under the guiance of our trained coaches."
Rugby Union: A Sport for Every Body Type!
Rugby Union is one of the most inclusive sports in the world, with positions suited to all shapes, sizes, and abilities. Whether your child is tall, short, strong, fast, or just eager to give it a try, there’s a place for them on the rugby field!
For the Big and Strong – Players with power and size are perfect for the forwards. These include props and locks, who use their strength in scrums and lineouts, and number 8s and flankers, who combine power with agility to win possession and make tackles.
For the Fast and Agile – Speedy runners shine in the backline. Wingers and fullbacks need pace and evasiveness to break through defenses, while centers combine strength and quick footwork to create scoring opportunities.
For the Thinkers and Leaders – Players with great decision-making and passing skills excel as scrum-halves and fly-halves, who control the game and set up attacking plays.
Rugby is about teamwork, respect, and resilience—every player brings something special to the team. No matter your child’s build or ability, there’s a position for them to thrive and enjoy the sport. Give rugby a go—it’s a game for everyone!
Q. Rugby doesn’t have pads?
A. Though rugby players don't wear pads or helmets, the techniques and rules of the sport make impact much safer. Rugby players are taught to use their arms and shoulders when making contact with opponents; earning serious repercussions for any contact above the shoulders and other dangerous styles of play.
Q: How does Rugby PA protect its athletes?
Under USA Rugby, all coaches must have undertaken a coaching course to ensure that they understand how to teach safe tackling, and have training in concussion management, are Safesport accredited and background checked!
Q: How much will it cost?
A: Rugby is one of the lowest cost options for sports in the US. Costs vary depending on the age and the program, and will depend on the costs of the team your child is playing for.
Q. What is Rugby PA
A. All youth and high school rugby in the USA is run by authorized state level organizations under the umbrella of Rugby USA. Rugby PA is a non-profit that organizes and sanctions all youth and high school rugby in Pennsylvania.